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| Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, in Yang, Zhang, Zheng, Ye, Tan, Cai et Wum 2026. 大围山报春 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553 |
Abstract
Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L. Zhang & Z. K. Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports its placement within Primula sect. Aleuritia, a section characterized by entirely glabrous plants that lack scales at the base of the leaf rosette, has a moderate to small habit and typically bears farina on the foliage and scape. The new species differs from other members of this section by its petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, and elongated filaments and a style exserted far beyond the mouth of the corolla tube. Information on its distribution, a morphological comparison with related species, and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are also provided.
Key words: Conservation status, diversity, nomenclature, Primula, taxonomy, Yunnan
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| Primula exserta sp. nov. A. Habitat; B. Habit during flowering; C. Lateral view of the plant; D. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; E. Flower, frontal view; F. Flower, lateral view; G. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; H. Dissected corolla with the ovary; I. Dissected calyx. |
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| Primula exserta sp. nov. A. Flowering habit; B. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; E. Dissected calyx. Drawn by Ms. Yang-yang Zheng. |
Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. This new species is most similar to P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis within the same section, all of which share the following characteristics: aboveground parts farinose, calyx campanulate or narrowly campanulate, and leaves obovate or sub-spatulate. However, it is distinguished from the three species mentioned above by the following morphological features: petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, floral type uniform: stamens of all flowers inserted at the middle of the corolla tube, free from the tube at the mouth, extending ca. 5 mm beyond the tube, style 2.5–3 cm long, longer than the stamens (Figs 1, 2). A comparison of plant photographs of P. exserta with P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis is provided in Fig. 3, and the main morphological differences are summarized in Table 1.
Etymology. The specific epithet exserta is derived from the Latin exsertus, meaning “protruding” or “extended outward,” alluding to the style and stamens that are distinctly exserted beyond the mouth of the corolla tube, a key diagnostic character distinguishing this species from its congeners in P. sect. Aleuritia.
Vernacular name. Simplified Chinese: 大围山报春;
Chinese Mandarin: “dà wéi shān bào chūn.”
Li Yang, Gui-Liang Zhang, Yang-Yang Zheng, Qing-Qing Ye, Xin Tan, Lei Cai and Zhi-Kun Wu. 2026. Primula exserta (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Aleuritia from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 117-125. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553 [14 Aug 2026]
